Strong support for increased transparency and efficiency around complaints process

New Zealand lawyers are strongly in favour of changes that would improve the efficiency of the lawyers’ complaints process while also making it more victim focused.

Independent Review Panel appointed

The New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa has today announced a highly experienced panel to conduct the independent review to examine the regulation and representation of legal services in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Standards Committee appeal Tribunal’s penalty decision

The National Standards Committee No 1 has lodged an appeal against the Tribunal’s penalty decision imposing a two-year suspension on James Gardner-Hopkins for findings of misconduct. The New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa appoints standards committee members and provides administrative support to standards committees, but they make…

Court precautions for Omicron

The New Zealand Law Society supports a conservative approach to court business with the emergence of the latest Omicron variant, particularly given its high transmissibility, and the ongoing presence of Delta in the community.

Changes to improve transparency and efficiency of Lawyers Complaints Service

The New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa is consulting on proposed amendments to the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 (the Act) to improve the transparency and efficiency of the Lawyers Complaints Service. The Law Society also wants to resolve the longstanding issue of undertakings by a…

Significant suspension imposed for misconduct

The New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa has received the independent Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal’s reserved penalty decision imposing a two-year suspension and costs of over $100,000 on James Gardner-Hopkins for findings of misconduct.  “While a sterner penalty was sought by the Standards Committee, it is…

The Law Society's President-Elect and Chief Executive included in the Elite Women 2021 list

The New Zealand Law Society is excited to announce that our President-Elect Jacque Lethbridge and Chief Executive Joanna Simon have been included in the NZ Lawyer’s Elite Women 2021 list.

Proposed changes of entry to Law Society premises and contracted venues

Keeping you safe during COVID-19 - This is advance notice of a proposed change of entry policy. 

New Zealand Law Society launches National New Lawyers Group

The New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa is excited to launch its National New Lawyers Group to increase support for new lawyers through the early stages of their legal careers.

Thousands Suffer in Justice Squeeze: Legal Aid a Covid response crisis

The largest ever survey of lawyers on 'access to justice' in Aotearoa New Zealand shows the legal aid system is on life support. Thousands are struggling to get legal aid, with potential life-changing consequences when they don't, and Covid-19 has greatly aggravated the problem.